Grimsby Town manager Michael Jolley says it will be down to Sunderland's new manager to decide whether or not Ethan Robson remains on-loan with the Mariners beyond January.

Sunderland sacked manager Jack Ross just hours before the two sides met in an EFL Trophy game on Tuesday night - which the Black Cats won 3-2 - and are now searching for the Scot's replacement, which could impact on Robson's future at Grimbsy.

The midfielder made the temporary move to Blundell Park from Sunderland during the summer transfer window, with the deal set to expire in January, although it seems Grimsby are keen to keep him at the club beyond them.

Speaking about the impact the change of manager at Sunderland could have on Robson's prospects for his time with Grimsby, Mariners boss Jolley claimed that that will be down to whoever takes over at the Stadium of Light, as he told the Grimsby Telegraph: “When there is a new manager at Sunderland, he will have his own views on Ethan and where he sees his future.

“That will be for whoever it is to decide as and when. There is a little bit of water under the bridge until then – and Ethan is with us until January anyway.”

So far this season, Robson - who has previously made 14 appearances for Sunderland - has featured eight times in all competitions for Grimsby, scoring three goals and helping them to ninth place in the League Two standings.

It has recently been claimed that Sunderland have approached five clubs about speaking to their current managers, while Daniel Stendel, who was recently sacked by Barnsley, is also thought to be in contention for the role.

The Verdict

I think keeping Robson at Grimsby could be a good thing for Sunderland's new manager to do.

Right now it seems as though the midfielder is enjoying his football and performing well at Blundell Park, so I don't think he would have qualms about remaining at the club.

Add to that the fact that it is hard to see Robson going straight into the first-team were he to return to Sunderland in January, and it does seem as though it would be better for him to stay at Grimsby.

That could however change under a new manager at Sunderland, meaning there could be a nervous few months ahead for Grimsby with regards to Robson's future.

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